Aerodynamic-Enhancing Attachment For A Beverage Can With Launch Capability

ABSTRACT

A device with a plurality of attachments for a beverage can which enhance the aerodynamics of the beverage can, comprising a base assembly adapted for attachment to a beverage can and a nosecone adapted for attachment to a beverage can. The base assembly further comprises a basal member, a peripheral sidewall, a guide unit, a central aperture, and a plurality of stabilizing units. The basal member further comprises an inner surface configured to follow the contour of a beverage can. The inner surface of the basal member contains a central aperture. The central aperture is surrounded by a divergent thrust nozzle, which focuses the beverage contents and increases the pressure of the liquid rivulet that is released. The heightened pressure of the beverage contents increases the thrust of the rocket during launch beyond what the thrust would be in the absence of the thrust nozzle.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to attachments to improve theaerodynamics of a cylindrical shape. The attachments allow a previouslyflightless object to be launched as a projectile. More particularly,this disclosure concerns attachments for a beverage can.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Rockets made from the shell of aluminum beverage cans have becomepopular with model rocket enthusiasts. However, launching a beverage canpreviously required emptying the beverage can of its contents andconverting the shell for use with fireworks, a compressed air launcher,or other method to propel the empty can.

SUMMARY

The exemplary embodiments describe a device having a plurality ofattachments to reduce aerodynamic drag of a cylindrical object. In theexemplary embodiment the base section fits flush to the contour of thebottom of a beverage can. In another possible exemplary embodiment, athrust nozzle may accompany the base section to direct beverage contentsout of the bottom of the can through a central aperture.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an enlarged angled bottom perspective of a base assemblyunit according to the exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional side view of a nosecone according to theexemplary embodiments.

FIG. 3 shows a side view of a nosecone and base assembly unit coupled toa beverage can according to the exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 4 shows a side view of the base assembly and nosecone coupled to abeverage can to form the beverage can rocket according to the exemplaryembodiments.

FIG. 5a shows a view of an exemplary launch setup where the beverage canrocket is being inserted into a launch pad according to the exemplaryembodiments.

FIG. 5b shows a view of an exemplary launch setup where the rocket isairborne after launching according to the exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 6 shows a launch method for the beverage can, using a launch rodand firing pin according to the exemplary embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The exemplary embodiments may be further understood with reference tothe following description of the exemplary embodiments and the relatedappended drawings, wherein like elements are provided with the samereference numerals. The exemplary embodiments are related to a devicehaving a plurality of aerodynamic-enhancing attachments to modify abeverage can for launch. This device allows a model rocket enthusiast totake advantage of the natural carbonation present in a beverage can andeasily convert the rocket for flight without needing to dismantle thecan. Throughout this description, the assembled device will be referredto as a “beverage can rocket.” However, it should be clear from thedescription that the beverage can component of the beverage can rocketmay be substituted out for a different component.

FIG. 1 shows a base assembly 1 attachment for a beverage can. As will bedescribed in greater detail below, the base assembly 1 is configured tobe attached to the beverage can to both aid in the flight of thebeverage can rocket and to make the beverage can rocket look like arocket. The base assembly 1 includes a plurality of trapezoidalstabilizing units 2 arranged along a peripheral sidewall 3, a basalmember 4 configured to fit the contour of a bottom end of a beveragecan, wherein the basal member 4 comprises a central aperture 5, which issurrounded by a thrust nozzle 6. The basal member 4 is described in moredetail below. The base assembly 1 further comprises a guide unit 7 thatis coupled to the peripheral sidewall 3. An example of a use of theguide unit 7 will also be described in more detail below.

It should be noted that the base assembly 1 illustrated in FIG. 1 isonly exemplary in a variety of manners. In one aspect, the number of thestabilizing units 2 being shown is only exemplary. In a first example,as discussed above, the base assembly 1 may have four stabilizing units2. In another example, the base assembly 1 could comprise any numberfrom, for example, two to twenty stabilizing units 2. It is also notedthat the stabilizing units 2 may also be referred to as fins. Thoseskilled in the art will understand that the stabilizing units 2 aregenerally used to create lift and stabilize the beverage can rocket asit is flying. For example, as the air moves faster over the stabilizingunits 2, air pressure may be reduced on the surfaces of the stabilizingunits 2, thereby creating lift. The stabilizing units 2 may also be usedto correct the flight of the beverage can rocket when it is deflected.Again, for example, when air moves over the top of a deflectedstabilizing unit 2, the air travels faster than the air under the fin,creating lift and causing the beverage can rocket to be stabilized byrotating around the center of gravity until it is flying straight again.The trapezoidal shape of the stabilizing units 2 may accomplish thisfunctionality. However, there may be additional shapes of thestabilizing units 2 that may also accomplish the same functionality.Therefore, it should be clear that the stabilizing units 2 may take theform of a different shape. As described above, any number of stabilizingunits 2 may be used and the number may be selected based on, forexample, the size of the beverage can to which the base assembly 1 is tobe attached, the weight of the beverage can to which the base assembly 1is to be attached, a look to be achieved when attaching the baseassembly to the beverage can, etc.

In another example, the peripheral sidewall 3 is shown as having aseries of ridges. These ridges are only exemplary and are not required.For example, the peripheral sidewall 3 may be a flat surface or mayinclude any design.

The base assembly 1 is configured and of such size that the beverage canwill be received into the basal member 4 and peripheral sidewall 3 toform a friction fit to secure the beverage can 1 within the baseassembly 1. However, the friction fit is only exemplary and othermethods of securing the base assembly 1 to the beverage can or viceversa may also be used. For example, an adhesive or other material maybe used to secure the beverage can to the base assembly 1, the baseassembly 1 may include a compression ring that is tightened when thebeverage can is received into the base assembly 1, etc.

FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the basal member 4, including thethrust nozzle 6 that surrounds the central aperture 5. This figure alsoincludes the exemplary guide unit 7 and associated ridges along theperipheral sidewall 3. The guide unit 7 allows the base assembly 1 to beattached to a vertical launch rod 9 on a launch pad 10, to increase theupward thrust of the beverage can rocket during launch (see FIGS. 5a andb ). However, the beverage can rocket may be launched using a differentmethod that does not include a launch rod 9.

The base assembly 1 is configured such that central aperture 5 of thebasal member 4 is generally centered on the end of the beverage can whenthe base assembly 1 is attached to the beverage can. As will bedescribed in greater detail below, it is assumed that the beverage canwill be punctured through the central aperture 5 to cause the underpressure contents (e.g., the propellant) to be released from thebeverage can. By having the central aperture 5 centered on the end ofthe beverage can, the propellant may be released at the center ofgravity of the beverage can rocket (e.g., the point in the beverage canrocket where the weight is evenly balanced). By having the propellant beejected at this point, it is more likely that the beverage can rocketwill launch and will be stable when it is flying.

In this embodiment the divergent form of the thrust nozzle 6 focuses thebeverage contents (e.g., the propellant) through the thrust nozzle 6toward the exhaust, thereby increasing the velocity of the stream ofliquid that is released. This increased velocity augments the thrust ofthe beverage can rocket during launch. In a different exemplaryembodiment, the thrust nozzle 6 could also be made longer than itappears in the illustration. In another exemplary embodiment, the thrustnozzle 6 may be moveably mounted to the basal member 4 such that thethrust nozzle 6 may be adjusted to provide thrust in a desireddirection.

FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional side view of the nosecone 11. Similar tothe base assembly 1, the nosecone 11 is configured to be attached to thebeverage can to both aid in the flight of the beverage can and to makethe beverage can rocket look like a rocket. In the exemplary embodimentthe nosecone is hollow and contains a lip 12 along the innercircumference. The lip 12 allows for a friction fit between the nosecone11 and a first end of a beverage can. The attachment of the nosecone 11via a friction fit is only exemplary, and alternative manners may beused to attach the nosecone 11 to the beverage can. For example, theinside of the nosecone 11 may be provided with an adhesive that may beactivated to attach to the beverage can, the nosecone 11 may be providedwith compression ring that could be tightened when the nosecone 11 isattached to the beverage can, etc. Those skilled in the art willunderstand that the nosecone 11 of a rocket is usually shaped tominimize air resistance or drag. The nosecone 11 is shown as includingsuch a shape. However, other shapes that accomplish this functionalitymay also be used. The nosecone 11 should be shaped such that, whenflying, the beverage can rocket does not experience turbulent airflow.Examples that may cause turbulent airflow include a crooked nosecone 11or a nosecone 11 that is larger than the beverage can, whereby a ridgeis formed where the nosecone 11 and beverage can are joined. Thus, thisshould be taken into consideration when selecting the shape of thenosecone 11.

The base assembly 1 and the nosecone 11 may be made of the same ordifferent materials. In one example, the base assembly 1 and thenosecone 11 are constructed of a plastic material by, for example,injection molding. In such an embodiment, each of the base assembly 1and the nosecone 11 may be a unitary body. However, it is not requiredthat the base assembly 1 and the nosecone 11 each be a unitary body. Inaddition, the base assembly 1 and the nosecone 11 may be constructed ofdifferent materials, metal, wood, composites, paper, cardboard, etc.

FIG. 4 shows a side view of the base assembly 1 and nosecone 11 coupledto a beverage can to form the beverage can rocket. An arrangement of thenosecone 11 on the top of the beverage can and the base assembly 1coupled to the bottom of the beverage can is typical, however this isonly one exemplary embodiment. It would be possible to rearrange thenosecone 11 and base assembly 1 when they are being coupled to thebeverage can. With reference to FIG. 3, the substructures of the baseassembly 1 are visible in this figure, including inner surface of thebasal member 4. It can be seen that the inner surface of the basalmember 4 follows the contour of the bottom of the beverage can. That is,when the beverage can is received into the base assembly 1, there shouldbe very little space between the bottom of the beverage can and theinner surface of the basal member 4. If there were a significant amountof space, when the beverage can is punctured to release the contents,the contents may be spread out over the entire bottom of the beveragecan and not be focused as desired for maximum thrust. However, whenthere is very little space between the bottom of the beverage can andthe inner surface of the basal member 4, the contents of the beveragecan are released and focused through the central aperture 5 and thethrust nozzle 6. Additionally, the stabilizing units 2 show how the baseassembly may rest on a launch pad or the flat surface when the beveragecan rocket is fully assembled.

FIGS. 5a and 5b shows a side view of an exemplary launch set-up. FIG. 5ashows a launch set-up that comprises a launch rod 9, a launch pad 10, alaunch lever 13, a firing pin 14, and a plurality of side rails 15. InFIG. 5a , the base assembly 1 of the beverage can rocket is coupled tothe launch rod 9 by inserting the launch rod 9 through the guide unit 7on the base assembly 1. The beverage can rocket may then be guided overthe launch rod 9 in the downward direction such that the base assembly 1may rest on the flat surface of the launch pad 10. The stabilizing units2 allow the base assembly 1 to balance on the level surface of thelaunch pad 10. In this exemplary embodiment, when the bottom of thestabilizing units 2 are resting on the launch pad 10, the firing pin 14is arranged such that it is below the central aperture 5.

FIG. 5b shows the rocket airborne after a launch lever 13 on the launchpad 10 moves the firing pin 14 upward. For example, a person may pressthe launch lever 13 down (e.g., with their hand or foot), thereby movingthe firing pin 14 upward. The upward movement of the firing pin 14 movesthe firing pin 14 through the central aperture 5 and punctures thebottom of the beverage can. The contents of the beverage can are thenreleased through the central aperture 5 and the thrust nozzle 6 toprovide upward thrust for the beverage can rocket. The beverage canrocket moves vertically as the beverage can rocket is constrained by thelaunch rod 9 which aids in keeping the beverage can rocket moving in thevertical direction and not going off course. However, the side rails 15are also included to provide an extra safety measure so that the rocketdoes not immediately go sideways and possibly hit a nearby person orobject. Once the beverage can rocket clears the launch set-up, thebeverage can rocket may fly until it is out of fuel. Again, it is notedthat this is only one exemplary launch set-up and one exemplary mannerof launching the beverage can rocket. Other launch set-ups and launchmanners may also be used.

In one exemplary embodiment, the base assembly 1 or the nosecone 11 mayalso include a parachute such that the beverage can rocket may floatdown to the ground rather than come crashing down when it is out offuel. This may allow the base assembly 1 and the nosecone 11 to bereused multiple times as they are less likely to be damaged when thebeverage can rocket returns to the ground. In one exemplary embodiment,the parachute is located in the hollow portion of the nosecone 11. Thisarrangement would allow the beverage can rocket to come down in anupright orientation and avoid damage to the tip of the nosecone 11.

FIG. 6 shows an exemplary method of launching the rocket. In thisembodiment, a launch rod 9 and firing pin 14 are used. In step 100 therocket is assembled by attaching the base assembly 1 and nosecone 11 toeach end of the beverage can. In step 101, the beverage can is shaken,increasing the amount of carbon dioxide gas within the can. In step 102,the guide unit 7 is lined up with and slipped over the launch rod 9. Instep 103, the beverage can is punctured through the central aperture 5in the base assembly 1 by a firing pin 14 located on the launch pad 10.In step 104, the opening in the can decreases the pressure inside thecan, increasing the volume of the carbon dioxide gas, which pushes thebeverage contents out of the opening. In step 105, the beverage contentsare directed downward by the basal member 4 and thrust nozzle 6,allowing the beverage can to launch.

It should be noted that the diameter of the central aperture 5 and thepuncture area may depend on the particular beverage can (e.g., absolutesize, weight, diameter, etc.) and contents of the beverage can (e.g.,energy drink, soda, beer, etc.). In addition, depending on themanufacturing process used to fill the beverage can, the pressure insidethe can may vary. Other factors may also effect the can such as thetemperature of the can inside a refrigerator versus being held at roomtemperature can affect the pressure inside the can and whether the canis shaken may also have an effect on the pressure inside the can. Thesefactors may be considered when creating the size of the puncture hole(that will be made through the central aperture 5) in relation to thepressure inside the can.

In typical 250 ml sized energy drink embodiment, a puncture hole that islarger than 1 cm wide is generally too big in relation to the amount ofpressure that can be generated inside the can. The contents of the canwould spurt out but not at a regular or constant enough rate in relationto the can size to afford any stability or enough thrust to make adifference. A hole less than 1 mm wide also is negligible depending onthe amount of pressure inside the can. A 1 mm hole cannot provide enoughstability or thrust that would noticeably affect the can's trajectory orvelocity on a 250 ml size can. Thus, in this embodiment, the size of thepuncture hole (and the corresponding central aperture 5) should be inthe range of 2 mm—less than 1 cm. However, a smaller can under highpressure may be affected noticeably by a 1 mm hole. In one embodiment,it has been shown that for a room temperature, shaken, carbonatedbeverage can being punctured and providing stability and thrust is inthe range of 2 mm to 5 mm.

It should also be noted that the central aperture 5 diameter does notneed to be exactly the same as the desired puncture hole. The centralaperture 5 may be slightly larger than the desired puncture hole toallow the device that is puncturing the can to be inserted and removed.

It should also be noted that while the exemplary embodiments aredescribed with reference to the contents of the beverage can being thepropellant for the beverage can rocket, it is also possible to equip thebeverage can rocket with a supplemental thrust source. The supplementalthrust force may be, for example, one or more Estes-type model rocketmotors that may be included within the base assembly 1, may be strappedto the side of the beverage can, etc.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variousmodifications may be made in the present invention, without departingfrom the spirit or the scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended thatthe present invention cover modifications and variations of thisinvention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims andtheir equivalent.

1. An apparatus, comprising: a nosecone configured to be coupled to afirst end of a beverage can, wherein the nosecone comprises an innerwall and an outer wall, the inner wall including a lip around acircumference of the nosecone, the lip configured to couple the noseconeto the first end of the beverage can via a friction fit; and a baseassembly configured to be coupled to a second end of the beverage can.2. (canceled)
 3. (canceled)
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein thebase assembly further comprises: a basal member configured to enclose asecond end of a beverage can; a peripheral sidewall configured tosurround a portion of a sidewall of the beverage can when the baseassembly is coupled to the beverage can; and a plurality of stabilizingunits, coupled to the peripheral sidewall, wherein the stabilizing unitsare configured to create lift and stabilize the apparatus when inflight.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the stabilizing units havea trapezoidal shape.
 6. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the peripheralsidewall further includes a guide unit, wherein the guide unit extendsfrom the peripheral sidewall in a radial direction with respect to thesidewall of the beverage can.
 7. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein thebasal member comprises a central aperture.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7,wherein a thrust nozzle surrounds the central aperture.
 9. The apparatusof claim 7, wherein an inner surface of the basal member is configuredto follow a contour of the second end of the beverage can.
 10. Theapparatus of claim 7, wherein when the base assembly is coupled to thebeverage can, the basal member is adjacent to an end of the beveragecan, such that when the end of the beverage can is punctured thebeverage contents are released through the central aperture.
 11. Theapparatus of claim 7, wherein the beverage contents that are releasedthrough the central aperture provide some of the thrust for the launchof the beverage can.
 12. A base assembly configured to be coupled to acan, comprising: a basal member configured to enclose a second end of abeverage can; a peripheral sidewall configured to surround a portion ofa sidewall of the beverage can when the base assembly is coupled to thebeverage can; and a plurality of stabilizing units, coupled to theperipheral sidewall, wherein the stabilizing units are configured tocreate lift and stabilize the apparatus when in flight.
 13. Theapparatus of claim 12, wherein the stabilizing units have a trapezoidalshape.
 14. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the peripheral sidewallfurther includes a guide unit, wherein the guide unit extends from theperipheral sidewall in a radial direction with respect to the sidewallof the beverage can.
 15. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the basalmember comprises a central aperture.
 16. (canceled)
 17. The apparatus ofclaim 5, wherein each of the plurality of stabilizing units include atleast one flat side configured to allow the apparatus to stand in anupright direction such that the flat sides are at a bottom most positionin the upright direction, wherein the at least one flat side is in aplane that is parallel to a radial plane of the beverage can and isdisplaced from the second end of the beverage can in a longitudinaldirection.